10/10's - Ten Lists of Ten Tips for Digital Filmakers & Professional Videographers
Ten Tips for Keeping Your Sanity in the Film Business - Continued

6. Burn bridges carefully. The film business is a small town. There will be times when that annoying actress deserves to have her martini poured over her head. Usually, though, finishing an assignment and vowing never to work with that person again will be the path to keeping your sanity, and reputation, in tact.

7. Make friends outside the business. Talking shop day and night will only lead to stress and bitterness. Pursuing relationships with kindred spirits who share outside interests will help you have fun and keep perspective

8. Balance. At the start of your career, gambling on fame and fortune may trump all else. But as those with few real friends or family to invite to their retirement party will tell you, success with no one to share it with means little.

9. Seek help. Project work often means long hours and high anxiety. What do you need to help you manage the other areas of your life? An agent? A house cleaner? A therapist? Ask others for help, and budget for mental health, before your physical health suffers.

10. Celebrate. It's easy to rush to the next project, without fully taking stock of all that you have achieved. Whether you throw a wild party or quietly pat yourself on the back, take the time to bask in "I DID IT!" CPM

Amy Katz, M.A., is a writer, teacher, communication specialist, intuitive guide and creative artist. She grew up studying music and theatre in Chicago, IL, before spending spent a decade traveling abroad and living in nine countries. Now she spends most of the year in Santa Barbara, CA., and with the grizzlies and moose in Eagle River, Alaska. Amy is currently giving back to the world community by helping to raise funds for the epic feature documentary, JUST GIMME INDIE ROCK! Please visit: http://www.indierockdoc.com/

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